How Different Types of Sound Affect the Brain and Body

Sound is deeply somatic. Vibrations from music can modulate heart rate and influence breath rhythms, making it a potent resource for co-regulation and self-regulation (Lehmann & Seufert, 2017).

Music also engages subcortical and limbic structures; including the amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. These brain regions are responsible for emotional memory, motivation, and stress response (Koelsch, 2010). In other words, it often reaches places that language and logic can’t.

In brain-body practices like Brainspotting or Ketamine Assisted Therapy, sound becomes an active therapeutic element. The soundscape can support and even guide the experience. Let’s explore how different types of music and sound affect neural processing, and how you can integrate these tools into your therapeutic practice or personal healing journey.

 Bilateral & Biolateral Sound

Bilateral sound involves alternating tones or music from left to right, stimulating both hemispheres. Biolateral music, used in Brainspotting, adds musical tones that gently pan across the ears (Grand, 2013). Biolateral sound supports dual-attunement by reinforcing both relational and neurobiological connection. It can help facilitate trauma processing, and deepens access to subcortical material.  It also supports the engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering calm and coherence.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats promote neural entrainment by generating a perceived frequency that matches specific brainwave states: alpha (relaxation), theta (meditation), delta (deep sleep), or gamma (cognition). Research shows that this synchrony may enhance connectivity between hemispheres, reduce anxiety, and modulate pain perception (Garcia-Argibay et al., 2019).

Hemi-Sync®

Hemi-Sync uses layered binaural tones and ambient sounds to facilitate hemispheric synchronization. This process has been associated with improved focus, meditation depth, and access to altered states. It encourages coherence across cortical regions, especially in theta and gamma frequencies (Monroe, 1994).

Chanting and Mantra

Chanting activates the vagus nerve and limbic structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, supporting emotional regulation and memory consolidation. 'OM' chanting, in particular, has been linked with deactivation of the default mode network, enhancing mindfulness (Kalyani et al., 2011).

Isochronic Tones

Isochronic tones create consistent, rhythmic pulses that entrain brainwaves without headphones. These tones can enhance attention, modulate arousal, and promote synchronization of neural oscillations tied to cognitive performance (Wahbeh et al., 2007).

Classical and Baroque Music

Baroque music (typically 60–80 BPM) mirrors resting heart rates and can entrain alpha waves, promoting relaxation and focus. Classical music activates both cortical and subcortical areas, improving executive function and emotional regulation (Schellenberg, 2005).

Nature Sounds

Nature sounds decrease sympathetic arousal and enhance parasympathetic response. They activate the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, which are brain regions involved in emotional awareness and body regulation (Alvarsson et al., 2010). Nature sounds also reduce default mode network activity, similar to meditation and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Solfeggio Frequencies

While more research is needed, specific frequencies (e.g., 528 Hz) are believed to influence DNA repair and promote feelings of peace and clarity. Some report that these frequencies induce deep alpha or theta states, potentially improving mood and intuitive insight (Joseph, 2018).

ASMR

ASMR activates brain regions associated with social bonding and sensory-emotional processing, such as the medial prefrontal cortex. It reduces heart rate and increases skin conductance, suggesting a calming yet attentive brain state (Poerio et al., 2018).

References:

Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036–1046.

Garcia-Argibay, M., Santed, M. A., & Reales, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: A meta-analysis. Psychological Research, 83(2), 357–372.

Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change. Sounds True.

Joseph, T. (2018). Exploring the solfeggio frequencies: Tones of transformation or musical mythology? Sound Healing Journal, 6(2), 34–38.

Kalyani, B. G., et al. (2011). Neurohemodynamic correlates of ‘OM’ chanting: A pilot fMRI study. International Journal of Yoga, 4(1), 3–6.

Koelsch, S. (2010). Towards a neural basis of music-evoked emotions. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14(3), 131–137.

Lehmann, J. A. M., & Seufert, T. (2017). The influence of background music on learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1902.

Monroe, R. A. (1994). Ultimate journey. Doubleday.

Poerio, G. L., Blakey, E., Hostler, T. J., & Veltri, T. (2018). ASMR is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLoS One, 13(6), e0196645.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory. W. W. Norton & Company.

Schellenberg, E. G. (2005). Music and cognitive abilities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14(6), 317–320.

Siegel, D. J. (1999). The developing mind. Guilford Press.

Wahbeh, H., Calabrese, C., & Zwickey, H. (2007). Binaural beat technology: Pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 25–32.